Word Origin & History

extrapolate 1874, a back formation from extrapolation. Said in earliest reference to be "an expression of Sir George Airy" (18011892), English mathematician and astronomer. Related: Extrapolated; extrapolating.

Example Sentences for extrapolate

They extrapolate a sequence beautifully—but they can be out-thought.

Do you extrapolate your mastications, too, and get frightened of the stink you might get?

"Jamison will extrapolate from there," Cochrane assured him.

The scientists had worked late, trying to extrapolate their data into some kind of prediction.

Jamison began to extrapolate from his observations out the control-room port, adding film-clips for authority.

He saw his shortcoming, but could not do anything to help it: he was unable to extrapolate ahead.

Cochrane cocked an eye at Jamison, who could extrapolate at the drop of an equation.